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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Few books have created a global phenomenon like the first Harry Potter novel. When it was published in 1997, millions of young readers found themselves transported to a world of magic, friendship, and bravery. By 2025, the series has sold over 600 million copies worldwide, making it one of the most successful book franchises ever. The story of a young boy discovering he’s a wizard resonated with those who felt different or misunderstood. Libraries reported higher circulation numbers and a spike in young adult reading after its release. The Harry Potter series even inspired academic courses and fan conventions around the world. For many in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Hogwarts became a second home.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
When Suzanne Collins introduced Katniss Everdeen in 2008, she ignited a conversation about dystopia, rebellion, and survival. The Hunger Games trilogy sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, and its movies grossed over $2.9 billion. The novels inspired a new wave of dystopian fiction and highlighted themes of inequality and political resistance. Teens related to Katniss’s struggles and moral dilemmas, sparking online discussions about social justice and activism. The phrase “may the odds be ever in your favor” became part of pop culture. Teachers used the books to discuss government, ethics, and the power of media.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
In 2012, John Green’s novel about two teens with cancer broke hearts and challenged stigmas. The Fault in Our Stars spent more than 130 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. Its honest portrayal of illness, love, and loss resonated with readers globally. The hashtag #TFIOS trended on social media, and the movie adaptation grossed over $300 million. The book sparked conversations about mortality and empathy, and support groups often recommended it for its sensitive, realistic perspective. It made millions of young people feel seen and understood during tough times.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Love it or hate it, Twilight changed YA forever. Published in 2005, the vampire romance saga sold over 160 million copies worldwide. It set off a craze for paranormal romance, leading to countless book releases and movie adaptations. Teenagers lined up at midnight for releases and dressed as their favorite characters at events. Twilight’s love triangle and forbidden romance themes became a blueprint for later YA novels. The series was credited with reviving interest in reading among teens, according to publishing sales data from the late 2000s. Its cultural impact can’t be overstated.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
John Green’s debut novel, published in 2005, was quickly banned in some schools and praised in others. Its raw, honest depiction of grief, friendship, and teenage recklessness struck a chord. Looking for Alaska won the Michael L. Printz Award and remained one of the most frequently challenged books of the 2010s, according to the American Library Association. The book inspired countless discussions about mental health and loss in classrooms and book clubs. Teens found comfort in its flawed, realistic characters. The Hulu adaptation in 2019 brought the story to a new generation.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Veronica Roth’s Divergent, released in 2011, tapped into readers’ fascination with identity and choice. Set in a fractured society, the series sold over 35 million copies and spent months on bestseller lists. The books and movies fueled a wave of dystopian fiction and helped establish strong, complex female protagonists in YA literature. Divergent was praised for tackling themes like conformity, loyalty, and courage in the face of adversity. The phrase “choose your faction” became a popular meme and personality quiz prompt. Its success led publishers to seek similar stories, shaping the YA market in the 2010s.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
First published in 1999, Speak was groundbreaking in its frank depiction of trauma and recovery. The story of Melinda, who loses her voice after a sexual assault, resonated with many teens who felt invisible or powerless. The book won numerous awards and became a staple in school curriculums, despite being challenged by some parents. Research into its impact found that Speak helped destigmatize conversations about mental health and consent. The book’s 20th anniversary edition and a graphic novel adaptation brought it to new readers, proving its lasting relevance.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Since its publication in 1999, The Perks of Being a Wallflower has been called a “generation-defining” novel. Its epistolary format and candid discussion of trauma, sexuality, and friendship made it both beloved and controversial. The book has been frequently challenged, yet consistently lands on best-of lists for YA literature. The 2012 film adaptation introduced Charlie’s story to a wider audience. Studies show that the novel’s themes of acceptance and belonging continue to resonate with young readers struggling to find their place in the world.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
This 2015 novel was a breath of fresh air for LGBTQ+ representation in YA. Simon’s journey to self-acceptance and love inspired readers around the globe. The book won the William C. Morris Award and was adapted into the hit film Love, Simon, which was celebrated for being the first major studio teen rom-com about a gay protagonist. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda sparked a wave of queer YA novels and made “coming out” stories more visible and mainstream. By 2025, it’s considered a must-read in the genre.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Published in 1993, The Giver is often credited as one of the first modern dystopian YA novels. With over 12 million copies sold, it remains a classroom staple. The book’s exploration of memory, choice, and conformity challenged young readers to question authority and imagine different futures. Its influence is clear in later dystopian works like The Hunger Games and Divergent. The Giver’s ambiguous ending and philosophical questions have made it a favorite for essays and debates. The 2014 movie adaptation sparked renewed interest in the book.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Ransom Riggs combined vintage photography and storytelling in a way that felt utterly new when this book hit shelves in 2011. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children spent more than 100 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. Its quirky characters and gothic atmosphere appealed to fans of Tim Burton and Neil Gaiman. The series sold over 9 million copies by 2025, with readers praising its creativity and emotional depth. The 2016 film adaptation introduced even more people to the peculiar world. The blend of fantasy and historical fiction inspired a trend of genre-mixing in YA.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
First published in 2017, Adam Silvera’s novel made headlines for its heartbreaking, honest portrayal of love and mortality. The book climbed back onto bestseller lists in 2020 thanks to TikTok, where #TheyBothDieAtTheEnd videos garnered millions of views. Readers connected with its message about living fully in the face of death. By 2025, it had sold over 2 million copies and was adapted for television. The book’s popularity showed the power of social media in shaping YA trends and highlighted the importance of diverse, inclusive storytelling.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Jenny Han’s 2014 novel brought a fresh, romantic perspective to YA. The series sold more than 10 million copies and inspired three Netflix films, which became instant hits. Lara Jean’s story of first love, family, and identity resonated with readers from all backgrounds. The books were especially celebrated for their positive Asian-American representation. Social media exploded with fan art, memes, and debates about “Team Peter” vs. “Team John.” The series helped pave the way for more diverse voices in YA romance.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Eleanor & Park, published in 2013, captured the awkwardness and intensity of first love. Set in the 1980s, the novel tackled issues like bullying, family dysfunction, and racism. It was a Michael L. Printz Honor book and made countless best-of-the-decade lists. The book’s honest, sometimes painful depiction of teen life made readers feel less alone. Its popularity also led to a greater demand for realistic, character-driven YA stories. The planned movie adaptation kept fans buzzing for years.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Though published in 1967, The Outsiders remains a core part of the YA canon. S.E. Hinton wrote the novel when she was just a teenager, and its story of class conflict, loyalty, and rebellion has never gone out of style. The book has sold over 14 million copies and is taught in classrooms around the world. “Stay gold, Ponyboy” became a cultural touchstone. The Outsiders showed that teens could write—and read—stories about real-life struggles. Its influence can be seen in countless books that followed.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Published in 2012, Aristotle and Dante’s quiet, lyrical love story struck a chord with readers looking for hope and beauty. The novel won the Stonewall Book Award and the Michael L. Printz Honor. It’s celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of Mexican-American and LGBTQ+ identities. The sequel, released in 2021, was met with critical and commercial success. By 2025, the book had become a staple in classrooms and libraries, often recommended for its positive message about self-discovery and acceptance.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo’s 2012 novel brought “Grishaverse” to the world, blending Russian folklore and fantasy in a way that captured imaginations. The Shadow and Bone trilogy sold millions of copies and led to a sprawling universe of spin-offs and adaptations. Netflix’s Shadow and Bone series, launched in 2021, drew in viewers who hadn’t read the books, making Bardugo a household name. The series was praised for its diverse cast and complex world-building. Its success inspired more multicultural fantasy stories in YA.
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Released in 2014, We Were Liars became a sensation almost overnight. Its twisty plot and unreliable narrator made it a favorite for book clubs and classroom discussions. The hashtag #WeWereLiars trended on TikTok, sending the book back onto bestseller lists years after its initial release. E. Lockhart’s writing style and the novel’s shocking ending kept readers guessing and talking. The book was nominated for several awards and is known for its exploration of privilege, memory, and family secrets.
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Red Queen, published in 2015, combined fantasy, politics, and rebellion in a world divided by blood color. The series sold over 5 million copies and landed on bestseller lists worldwide. Its mix of dystopian and fantasy elements appealed to fans of both genres. The story’s unpredictable twists and strong female lead drew comparisons to The Hunger Games. Red Queen’s success fueled the demand for high-stakes, action-driven YA series with complex world-building. The book’s influence is still seen in the wave of YA fantasy novels topping lists in 2025.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas’s debut novel made history when it hit shelves in 2017. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, The Hate U Give spent 80 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list and sold more than 3.5 million copies. The book was adapted into a critically acclaimed film and is often used in classrooms to spark discussion about race, activism, and justice. Studies show that it encouraged young readers to speak out about inequality and participate in social change. The Hate U Give is widely recognized as a defining book for the current generation.
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Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
